“Serbia’s stability must be considered”

Maybe I am mistaken but I do not think Serbia's stability will suffer when Kosovo becomes independent. I do not think the Serb government is brazen enough to attack anyone over Kosovo and I do not think that Serb citizens will rise against their government over something their government could in no way have stoped. If anything Serbia will move into Moscows orbit which would make it all the more 'stable' - Russian style stable that is with Kostunica as the eternal prime minister.
And Milan: your quip about my whereabouts when the crime in Gracanica happened was in really bad taste, but coming from someone like you I really do not mind. Maybe I was in Gracanica, who knows. Anyway it only goes to show that you are a bigot and that you are ready - as Serbia itself has also done - to exploit anything, however immoral, in order to gain a few points.

Olf, I actually agree with your first part. Serbia's stability is completely contingent on how Kosovo gains its independence, what an independent Kosovo will look like and how it will be structured.

Ideally, I would like Kosovo to remain within Serbia, thereby killing any attempts at redrawing borders which always results in a regional nightmare (everyone wants to do the same thing). But I see that it is impossible in this scenario. Albanians will simply riot and protest until they get their way. A volatile southern region in Serbia will cause politicans to replace civil liberties with national security, scuttling any efforts at democratic consolidation in the entire state, and bringing the whole region down. It pains me to say this, but I've accepted it: Kosovo is going to be independent and in the long run, that takes a volatile region out of Serbia's hands and makes it a European problem.

Yet at the same time, Serbia should not give up on Kosovo, nor should it be barred from having a say in its development. Serbia needs to be given absolute guarantees that its minority communities are given the absolute maximum guarantees of decentralized self rule, its religious and cultural sites are well guarded, well protected, AND might I add, well used (no sense in keeping these monasteries as simply museum pieces). I believe the Ahtisaari Plan goes a long way in making the K Serbs a powerful minority, but to it, we should add the guarantee of K-Serb confederation within a federated Kosovo. Giving the Serbs solid institutional rights apart from Pristina would solve many of the fears that an independent Kosovo will target Serb lives and interests. Belgrade can have its parallel connections to these municipalities and enclaves as the Ahtisaari Plan envisions.

Serbian stability will be compromised it it tries to reabsorb 2 million angry Albanians who, despite their own internal differences and battles for power, will remain solidly united in doing their damndest to shake off Belgrade, and cause as much chaos as possible. Serbia doesn't need that, and it cannot balance counteracting insurgency with democratic consolidation. Just look at Iraq.

This is the reason why if the West is pushing for Kosovo's independence, it will have to give Serbia an unbelievably generous severance package. I truly wish for a stable, multi-ethnic Kosovo (where garbage like ethnically motivated crimes like we read yesterday and today are a thing of the past) as well as a democratically stable Serbia. Such a thing can be guaranteed if Belgrade - and Mitrovica might I add - are given irrefutable proof that they will continue to have a strong hand in continuous Serbian development and community in an independent Kosovo.

I don't think that there is any tone of 'enthusiasm' in this article, Jack. Just a news report.

All views are important on the international stage at the moment with regard to Kosovo, because opinion is so divided. Especially in Europe.

The report yesterday by the ICG was real desperation, headed by Maarti Ahtisaari himself (who was supposed to have been impartial!). It was virtually pleading more countries to support the recognition of a declaration of independence.

Also some rather worrying and detailed reports coming out about Maarti having been bribed [See link http://americansforserbianews.blogspot.com/2007/07/maarti-ahtisaari-did-he-take-bribes.html].

I wonder if that one will ever make the mainstream media? Or even be properly investigated and acted upon.

Well of course Serbia's stability must be considered, how is Serbia going to function without Kosovo? The Serbian mind set will be severly bruised and probably cause much fighting in Kosovo if it does become independant.

People fail to see that forcing a country to give up part of it's land on the back of a bombing and KLA terrorist campaign is illeagal and a farce. Independance is an insult to the hundreds of thousands of Serbs who have died in Kosovo only in the last centuary.
If these Kosovo Albanians are so "western" and "democratic" then why are they completely unable to stage meaningfull talks and negotiations which will results in a fair outcome for both parties?

Reasons- The US has already chosen it's favourite side

The Serbs are only in this situation because of injustice.

So either way the Serbs lose and without Kosovo, Serbs will have to do some real hard thinking about what their place is in this world if Kosovo cannot be theirs.

Laki - For something not credible it contains an awful lots of facts! I do not just accept stuff like this at face value, but I think that there may some truth behind this. I would just like it to be investigated.

teni, you're such a hypocrite. To accuse Milan of trying to exploit events is a joke. You do it consistently to try to justify your spurious aims. Remember the drunken brawl a Serb politician had with Albanian police over a speeding ticket. You said this showed Serbs and Albanians could never live together again. Talk about exploiting an irrelevant event.

Vuk: "If these Kosovo Albanians are so "western" and "democratic" then why are they completely unable to stage meaningfull talks and negotiations which will results in a fair outcome for both parties?"

Excellent point.

B92 - Why did you let your team go to the Beer Festival?? Don't you know what happens when you mix media with beer? There's a go slow for at least a month!

Kate your link about Marti Ahtisaari’sbeing bribed its not credible and typical of Serbian propaganda machinery, which recently has much learned from their left wing conspiracy anarchist nuts!
And no it wont make it to mainstream media since is fabricated lie, but I am sure it will turn into a myth in serbian culture!

Mike: "Ideally, I would like Kosovo to remain within Serbia, thereby killing any attempts at redrawing borders which always results in a regional nightmare... But I see that it is impossible in this scenario. Albanians will simply riot and protest until they get their way."

Mike - How can you believe that giving in to threats of violence is the way to go? What message does that send? That is exactly what should NOT be allowed.

Also, because you sound like a rational sort of person, please do not jot down all views on this site to 'nationalists' on both sides. I, like you, feel strongly that borders should not be redrawn but not just because of the ensuing administrative nightmare.

It is quite simply wrong to enable an outside nation/ group of nations to start redrawing borders already agreed within international law. The time to do that was during 1999 when Res. 1244 was signed by all.

European boundaries are more fragile than ever, and international laws must be adhered to if much greater problems are to be avoided in the years to come. It's important for security of us all.

Mike
Serbia doesnt have to re-absorb them. They are already centralised conviniently to govern themselves. As well as EU overseer and integration into EU as one. That will solve the problem if the current regime in Pristina is replaced.

Hungary doesn't count as an important player in the EU.
Stop being so enthusiastic about nothing.
(Jack, 22. August 2007 09:44)

if Hungary had said something in favour of independence, Jack would have said Hungary is an important european country! =)

dear Jack, Hungary is a member-state of the EU, if you didn´t get it.
given that Hungary is one of the states of the neighbouring states, it´s opinion is of importance, since within the EU there is unity needed to get a working solution in regard of a european mission to come in Kosovo.

you just didn´t realize that, but that´s okay, since your "analysis" is really entertaining! :)

Teni
You honestly believe that? Wow I dont believe that you will even get south of ibar. Maybe autonomy with major restriction now, but thats it.

@Vuk "negotiations which will results in a fair outcome for both parties? "

Would you be so kind and suggest such outcome for both parties? There are millions of people waiting for such solution?

I wonder if, let's say you and me, presumably educated people, would sit in a "round" table and reach a "fair outcome for both parties". Do you, or anyone else for that matter, have any hope that you can convince me, or Teni or Nick or Victor etc. to give up independence for your vague so called "broad autonomy"? Do you or anyone in the Serb lobby think that I will argue about independence because I have US and NATO support? That is the point my friend. Someone asked me to discuss the geo-politics of NATO wanting to have an independent Kosovo because wanted to secure a certain oil pipeline which doesn't exist yet. With all due respect, to me these comments are as serious as NATO wanting to sell ice-cream on the churches yards. You still keep saying that NATO bombed Belgrade because wanted to destroy Serbia, as if NATO would have done that regardless whether Serb military tried or not to wipe out the entire Kosovo from its inhabitants.

Vuk

"People fail to see that forcing a country to give up part of it's land on the back of a bombing and KLA terrorist campaign is illeagal and a farce" - independnce of Kosovo is on the back of crimes commited by serbs during Milosevic which have made it impossible to population of Kosovo to accept to remain within Serbia.

and your claim of hundreds of thousands of serbs that have been killed in Kosovo is a ridicuaouls lie and propaganda which totally dicreditcs your comment. You have many serbs suggesting that overall number of victims in Kosovo was 2000 during the war and then they say thousands of serbs have been killed by albanians!!! Even your numbers don't add up.

Nobody buys your propaganda anymore.

Kate you are forgeting that Ahtisaari worked for Contact group and he proposed what most of EU and USA supported which is 'supervised independnce' - He did not invent 'indepence- for Kosovo. If it wasn't Ahtisaari somebody else would have proposed Independence - so its irrevelent whether he received money, which is just a blatant serbian lie. Unless you are suggesting that every single politican in western Europe and USA received money from these super-rich 'albanian lobbyist' that serbs like to mention every now and again! I wish THERE WAS such a powerful albanian lobby to dictacte the politicts of all western European countries and USA, but I am afraid this is all part of the 'the West is out to get us, its all their fault!'

nikshala,

What you have written in reply to my comment bears little relevence to the fact that Albanians commited some of the worst crimes, far worse than any attempted by Milosovic. I leave you to recall the name of the SS brigade formed.
If you take a quick peek at old demographics tables you will see that the "Greater Albania" idea implemented then has caused a serious shift towards a Albanian majority.

You like to talk about Albanians not being able to forgive "Serbia" as a country because of what Milosovic did but in actualy fact if the Albanians had voted when he was coming to power he would have been beaten, but no they boycotted the election to demostrate their want for independace which is a paradox but other to the fact that None of the Serbs have returned and the ones which are there live a life of fear caused by the deep contempt held against them by Kosovo Albanians.

This is not a basis for a new country so lets be reasonable and not greedy because the US has promised you something.

This is an interesting paradox. If Tadic and Kostunica lose Kosovo, then the most ultra-nationalist and reactionary parties will come to power in Serbia.

On the other hand, if the Kosovo-Albanian authorities fail to acheive independence then we will see an outburst of Albanian nationalism in Kosovo.

The fuse is lit, there will be an explosion of nationalism somewhere. The question is whether that fuse is leading to Belgrade or Pristina.

It is nice to read the comments of Mike and Matthew(who is not much with us lately).
I am fed up of reading the same stories:"Kosovo is Srbija",CCCC,etc.
The people who write this kind of comments are only doing so to upset the other side,deep down they know the truth!
I am for partition of Kosova,it will be hard,but at least there won't be any fear on both sides.
Living in London it is a great opportunity to meet people.One day one Jewish friend told me something very interesting,I quote:"We can't support German Football Teams,but we can admire them".
Same goes with us Albanians,we can't support Serbian State,but we can admire them.
Maybe you know what really I want to say!!!
Cheerio!

Kate, et al. I’ve thought long and hard on this, and this will be a large response. Apologies in advance to those reading it, and to B92 for it taking up unnecessary cyberspace.

Here is how I see it. We have five players in this proverbial game: Pristina, Belgrade, Washington, Europe, and Moscow. Each has their strengths and weaknesses that can be exploited by the others. Let me be brief:

1. Pristina – Strengths: Comprises 90% of Kosovo. Unanimous in desire for independence. Backed by US and key EU states. Will accept nothing less than independence. Willing to do whatever it takes to get independence. Weaknesses: Completely reliant on US and Europe for any support. Will become one of Europe’s poorest, most underdeveloped states. High levels of organized crime, corruption, and nepotism.

2. Belgrade – Strengths: International law that no one really seems to be following, Resolution 1244 that no one seems to be adhering to. Weaknesses: Little convincing hold on Kosovo. No provisions for Albanian integration back into Serbia. No plans for developing Kosovo. Wants land but not people. Increasingly dependent on Russia. Slipping away from Europe.

3. Washington – Strengths: Strong, if somewhat contested, voice in international affairs. Enjoys complete “loyalty” Pristina. Backs Ahtisaari Plan. Is seen as defender of self determination. Weaknesses: Completely committed to Kosovo’s independence regardless of outcome. Cannot back out of commitment. Will jump at any sign of a negotiated settlement for the sake of avoiding the nightmare unilateral solution.

4. Europe – Strengths: Seen as middleman between Washington and Moscow. Likely to support and/or develop a compromise solution between Belgrade and Pristina. Weaknesses: Internally divided, apathetic to granting Kosovo’s independence. Reluctant to push Serbia too far into Russia’s corner.

5. Moscow – Strengths: Wins no matter the outcome. If Kosovo remains in Serbia, Russia gets to clamp down on other secession movements in its own state. If Kosovo goes independent, Russia will support independence movements in Georgia, Moldova, Azerbaijan, and even Ukraine. Russia also gets a chance to heavily invest in Serbia and Kosovo. Weaknesses: Russia has no weaknesses.

Knowing all of this what can Serbia gain? Pristina’s biggest offense (independence at any cost) is its weakest defense. Likewise, America’s weakness is its commitment to see a negotiated settlement over a unilateral declaration. Taking these two factors into account, Serbia has been given a major Ace up its sleeve to play by both players – it just hasn’t realized it yet! By changing tactics and being willing to grant Kosovo’s independence for a number of major concessions, Belgrade immediately gets US and European support. All Washington wants to hear is “independence” and they’ll do whatever it takes to make it work because suddenly in their eyes, Serbia has “moved” and a “solution” is visible. Belgrade’s past reluctance to budge means that the slightest movement on their part now will immediately get picked up by the US. Belgrade can push for RS-like status of Serbian municipalities, communities, and religious sites to the point where Northern Mitrovica or Gracanica becomes the veritable regional capital of a Serbian Republic of Kosovo-Methohija operating parallel with Pristina. Hell, if they wanted to, they could even move the Patriarchate back to Pec! Washington can apply the needed pressure on Pristina to agree, and Pristina, seeing that such concessions towards Serb regions of Kosovo is the price for a flag, an anthem, and an Olympic team, would have no choice but to agree. If they refuse, they are now the ones seen as obstructing a solution, and risk losing support from the very powers that previously backed them up. Suddenly, Serbia goes from simply reacting to international forces determining the outcome, to becoming the power calling the shots. Kostunica and Tadic can take full credit by making one sacrifice for the sake of a number of other advantages. By pushing for a confederate Serb Republic status in an independent federal Kosovo, they can claim to have defended Serbian interests against Albanian “aggression” or whatever they want to call it, defended cultural and religious sites from further destruction, and still have a major force to play in the region. Furthermore, they neutralize any Albanian “problem” by taking Belgrade’s sovereignty out of the picture. Albanians get the immediate independence they have been demanding, making any further problems and crises no longer seen as Belgrade’s fault. This places them firmly within an EU supervised independence program that may take a few years to produce (and I'm in total favor of having EU administration work for a few years before we pop the champaigne bottle in order to ensure a viable and stable Kosovo), but it keeps them from further radicalizing, and forces all political activity to work within a set of European and democratic parameters, something the overwhelming majority of Albanians are committed to. The US benefits by getting its negotiated settlement, and avoids the embarrassment of having once again to break international law for the sake of its own reputation. Wisner will probably write his memoirs saying something to the effect that his genius-like skills at diplomacy saved the day again, blah blah blah. No doubt, the forward to his book will be written by Richard Holbrooke, but who cares?

What does Serbia have to gain by maintaing its current approach, and keeping 2 million angry Albanians within its borders? Belgrade has clearly said they have no intention of interfering in Albanian political matters so it doesn’t seem like they are overly interested in building up the region. Why keep land you don’t want to control? Additionally, Albanian ire will always be directed at Belgrade and anything Serbian whenever a problem arises. Serbia doesn’t need that. Let them actually blame themselves for any future mismanagement for a change. Just like in surgery, it sometimes is necessary to amputate an arm or a leg in order to save the body for further decay and disease. In Serbia’s case, letting go over the overly Albanian areas of Kosovo eliminates a major longterm headache and a potential cancer that could endanger overall democracy in Serbia. I have always been a proponent of further democratic consolidation in Serbia and realize that keeping all of Kosovo will produce a veritable West Bank or southwestern Turkey. Hadrian realized he couldn't hold all of Britain, so he withdrew to where he could, built a wall, and was celebrated for it. This is common logic.

The Albanians have practically said they would be willing to do whatever it takes to get independence. This is a golden opportunity for Serbia to capitalize on and secure unbelievably powerful protection of Serb areas. By agreeing to do so, they will undoubtedly earn full US and European support. It’s pretty simple: by attempting to hold onto everything, as they are now, they risk losing everything, as in Knin-Krajina. By strategically changing its gameplay and moving in for checkmate, Serbia stands to turn potential opponents into overly vocal allies. Serbs can gain more than they ever hoped out of Kosovo by letting it go, as in Republika Srpska.

Talk about turning a losing strategy into a winning hand giving Point, Match, and Game. I mean Sun Tzu would be so proud.

Obviously you dont understand Serbian politics.

-250 Seats

-3 parties formed a coalation to deffeat the largest party known as the radicals

-if kostunicas party backs the radicals they will have the largest ammount of votes

-hence the current government will collapse and a more radical one will take office

-bringing a lot of missery to the entire balkans

Mike

I agree with your post. I just wish Koshtunica & Co would convey the same points you made to the population of Serbia.

Personally I do not have a problem with partition (i.e. Kosovo losing some of its territory, I'd rather have a smaller but stable and independent Kosovo, than bigger but voletile Kosovo with thousands of angry serbs), however parition I think is dangerous since it will affect other regions and K. serbs in south, and albanians in Valley. If some kind of federation within Kosovo or even higher rights for K serbs that Ahtisaari proposes, would calm serbian fears and drop Belgrade's and Russia's opposition, than maybe that is the way to go.

However I think that politicians in Belgrade and Russia do not have the interest of Kosovo population (including K.serbs) at heart, and they are more interested in looking like they are fighting for Kosovo so they can further their politicial career.

Hungary doesn't count as an important player in the EU.
Stop being so enthusiastic about nothing.

My apologies to the B92 team. It seems I spoke to soon, but when my comment written at 10 was not yet posted by 12:30 I assumed that it was not going to be posted at all. Sorry guys.

The stability of Serbia is guaranteed with the indipendence of Kosovo. This is a geopolitical bottomline.
Furthermore EU has endorsed the ICG recommandations, which beyond Kosova serves the EU to consolidate its CFSP dimension.

This article together with the one saying that United States strongly back the proposal that Kosovo gains independence in 2007 and of course the ICG report give a picture of what is going to happen with Kosova.

In my opinion the best solution for Serbia and most importantly for K-Serbs is Ahtisari plan, plan that Kosova institutions are preparing to implement, since this is the option that most of EU countries are in favour. Stability of Serbia is really very important for Kosova too. Ahtisari plan is designed for purpose of stability in Serbia as well, but Serbian politicians had something else in mind, they are planning to create a little Russia in Balkans. All I can say is good luck to them that support failed suicidal politicians of Serbia

Some of you mention the division in EU but can you tell me when was EU talking together on any issue never mind Kosova issue. If my memory serves me well than I remember EU doing nothing while the massacres were taking place in Bosnia. US had to act in order to stop the bloodshed from spreading further. Same thing happened in Kosova except that this time UK was involved as well.
There are people here that heavily back Russia on respecting the international laws. I believe breach of neighbouring country airspace is sanctioned by international law. See this link : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6957589.stm
I wonder what Kate thinks about his since it is her country being visited by Russia BOMBERS. So much about the Russia and the international law. Kate, Russia and LADA lifestyle getting closer. Are you gone look at US for backing

Kate: when will you learn not to take everything pro-Serb at face value?
And to all those in the pro-Serb camp here: losing Kosovo has its benefits you know. You will gain another Kosovo myth to help keep Serbia together and keep your spirits up when you join the Russian Federation.

Zeka: I do not know how else to interpret Milan's request for me to provide an alibi. I hoe it was a joke because if it wasn't it shows the guy has serious problems. And congratulations on your memory, but it did not serve you right this time. What I said about the drunken brawl was that it was an excellent example of a case that would be interpreted by both sides based on their ethnic background, i.e. the Serbs would see it as an anti-Serb plot and the Albanians would not believe a word of the Serb minister. I have never said that Serb and Albanians cannot live together, but that you cannot expect them to love each other before a few generations have passd. As for living together...well the K-Serbs will have to coexist with the K-Albanians in a shortly to be made independent Kosovo and the same goes for Valley Albanians. So please do not give your self so much freedom to misrepresent my comments my dearest Zeka.

Mike

I have forgotten to mention that maybe it is better if K-Serbs move from the current position and join the institutions of Kosova. This is so they can voice their opinion in issues to their concern.
Your comment also mention Ahtisari plan, which I have been mentioning as the only solution for the moment. This package gives Supervised Independence, supervised since Kosova is not yet mature for self governance, but at the worst it gives K-Albanians a chance to prove themselves.

I believe that there is future for all Kosovars( Albanians and Serbs) once the status is more clear, once the money starts coming and people start thinking about their earnings.

In this picture are nowhere the politicians of both sides. My opinion is that these politicians should leaving the politics very soon for more liberal ones that I believe are plenty on both sides.

Excellent analysis Mike,

This is where the negotiations should start. Albanians are willing to give anything but independence. That's precisely what Kosovo's negotiation team platform is for the upcoming talks.

Our apologies to Teni, and all our other posters.

The volume of comments we receive sometimes makes it impossible for us to post them as quickly as we would like.

Thank you for your patience and contribution

B92

“That goes to show how bacwaeds and un-intelligent Serbian current leaders are.”
Did you mean backwards and unintelligent and this goes to show how who is backwards and unintelligent?

Thank you for attaching WSJ the article. It certainly confirms the oil and oil profits theory.

The U.S. goes after Albania, Bulgaria and Macedonia (ABMO) for a pipeline.
It was predictable that Russia would react to protect its own interests.

Nothing is free; there is a price for everything.

In 2003, Albania signed a bilateral Article 98 Agreement with the U.S., through which it has pledged not to turn over Americans to the International Criminal Court.


In 2006, Albania took five Asians terrorist detained at Guantanamo Bay and senior State Department official said more than 100 countries had been approached about accepting the Uighurs, but only Albania agreed.
http://intellibriefs.blogspot.com/2007/08/kosovo-real-flashpoint.html?referer=sphere_related_content
"When President Bush visited Albania, the parliament accommodated an American request to allow U.S. Marines to be the only armed corps guarding Bush, but this “has been seen by some in Albania as an insult to their security forces,” reports Reuters. “Albania’s formal elite escort for visiting dignitaries, the Republican Guard, will not be allowed to carry guns on the day.” The measure “allows more than 500 combat-ready U.S. troops entry into the country, and sanctions their use of ‘force proportionate to any possible threat.’”
“Please Occupy Us,” read a sarcastic headline in the country’s biggest paper, which said the decision implies that Albanians are “unworthy of being masters of their own house.”

If you want to dance, you have to pay the Piper.

Louie says - "...It is nice to read the comments of Mike and Matthew(who is not much with us lately).
I am fed up of reading the same stories:"Kosovo is Srbija",CCCC,etc. "

You're entitled to your feeling as we are ours. KosovO is Serbian land geographically & historically & it cannot be compared to a football game.

Thanks for your input

"Well of course Serbia's stability must be considered, how is Serbia going to function without Kosovo? The Serbian mind set will be severly bruised and probably cause much fighting in Kosovo if it does become independant."

By this logic what we hear is don't bruise the Serbs cuz they might destroy themselves. Don't even bother with it. Serbia bruised all of its neighbors and they didn't destroy themselves. Everyone in Europe has been bruised in Europe at one time or another and they've never destroyed themselves. If Serbia wants the radicals and extreme parties to come to power thats their choice. The Serb citizens decide who they like and if they want extremists to power thats who they vote for. Its not because of the Albanians, the US or the EU. It is beacause the Serbs want it.

louie,

Albanians are not asked to admire Serbs...

they are asked to respect the law. and interantional law is quite clear on this.
but given that one third of all inmates in Switerland´s prisons is of albanian ethnicity, I do not have much hope that they are gonna respect legal stipulations, premises and treaties.

hello dear, serbs i just recently graduated from yale college in ct. and when i view the situation in serbia i feel kinda sad because i kno there is so many,smart serbian politicians and very educated people,and to understand that if you take the view from the sides and you see that serbs and kosovo albanians they wont live together but thinking that rusia will suport them.its wrong,very wrong because let me make a point strategically rusia acting smart for themselves and puting serbian nation down with all these smart serbs that understand politics having rusian politics using them.it's kinda sad to say but serbian government needs to be reelected and have some real politicians there that knows how to view serbia from angles and don't let rusia.or china or other countries use serbs and enforce their political cabinets act like super power when U.N. is involve think about it.i have 4 brothers one lives in california .2 live in florida and i live in north carolina,people want freedom and serbia should understand that.serbs and kosovo albanian dont have nothing in comon history tells you that move on, make peace, built your future.create jobs.be a superpower dont be stupid.world is against you and rusia is part of world using you and having a good name for themselves,thats so wrong and i kno there so many smart educated serbs that know how to make serbia a better place and forget what happens built your future with your neighbors,yugoslavia is part of europe one day all of you(losers)will be part of europe no borders same money, same pasport diferent language let it go,on your own before it slips away.

Serbia will be stable "Russian STYLE"

As we read today, Serbia is sellin its major companies to Russian business.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118782426511305809.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

So it is going further and further away from EU.
If they keep it up, they will succeed to become a quasi-Russia.
That goes to show how bacwaeds and un-intelligent Serbian current leaders are.

**PEACE**

Hungary doesn't count as an important player in the EU.
Stop being so enthusiastic about nothing.

Maybe I am mistaken but I do not think Serbia's stability will suffer when Kosovo becomes independent. I do not think the Serb government is brazen enough to attack anyone over Kosovo and I do not think that Serb citizens will rise against their government over something their government could in no way have stoped. If anything Serbia will move into Moscows orbit which would make it all the more 'stable' - Russian style stable that is with Kostunica as the eternal prime minister.
And Milan: your quip about my whereabouts when the crime in Gracanica happened was in really bad taste, but coming from someone like you I really do not mind. Maybe I was in Gracanica, who knows. Anyway it only goes to show that you are a bigot and that you are ready - as Serbia itself has also done - to exploit anything, however immoral, in order to gain a few points.

My apologies to the B92 team. It seems I spoke to soon, but when my comment written at 10 was not yet posted by 12:30 I assumed that it was not going to be posted at all. Sorry guys.

Mike

I have forgotten to mention that maybe it is better if K-Serbs move from the current position and join the institutions of Kosova. This is so they can voice their opinion in issues to their concern.
Your comment also mention Ahtisari plan, which I have been mentioning as the only solution for the moment. This package gives Supervised Independence, supervised since Kosova is not yet mature for self governance, but at the worst it gives K-Albanians a chance to prove themselves.

I believe that there is future for all Kosovars( Albanians and Serbs) once the status is more clear, once the money starts coming and people start thinking about their earnings.

In this picture are nowhere the politicians of both sides. My opinion is that these politicians should leaving the politics very soon for more liberal ones that I believe are plenty on both sides.

Well of course Serbia's stability must be considered, how is Serbia going to function without Kosovo? The Serbian mind set will be severly bruised and probably cause much fighting in Kosovo if it does become independant.

People fail to see that forcing a country to give up part of it's land on the back of a bombing and KLA terrorist campaign is illeagal and a farce. Independance is an insult to the hundreds of thousands of Serbs who have died in Kosovo only in the last centuary.
If these Kosovo Albanians are so "western" and "democratic" then why are they completely unable to stage meaningfull talks and negotiations which will results in a fair outcome for both parties?

Reasons- The US has already chosen it's favourite side

The Serbs are only in this situation because of injustice.

So either way the Serbs lose and without Kosovo, Serbs will have to do some real hard thinking about what their place is in this world if Kosovo cannot be theirs.

The stability of Serbia is guaranteed with the indipendence of Kosovo. This is a geopolitical bottomline.
Furthermore EU has endorsed the ICG recommandations, which beyond Kosova serves the EU to consolidate its CFSP dimension.

Kate your link about Marti Ahtisaari’sbeing bribed its not credible and typical of Serbian propaganda machinery, which recently has much learned from their left wing conspiracy anarchist nuts!
And no it wont make it to mainstream media since is fabricated lie, but I am sure it will turn into a myth in serbian culture!

@Vuk "negotiations which will results in a fair outcome for both parties? "

Would you be so kind and suggest such outcome for both parties? There are millions of people waiting for such solution?

I wonder if, let's say you and me, presumably educated people, would sit in a "round" table and reach a "fair outcome for both parties". Do you, or anyone else for that matter, have any hope that you can convince me, or Teni or Nick or Victor etc. to give up independence for your vague so called "broad autonomy"? Do you or anyone in the Serb lobby think that I will argue about independence because I have US and NATO support? That is the point my friend. Someone asked me to discuss the geo-politics of NATO wanting to have an independent Kosovo because wanted to secure a certain oil pipeline which doesn't exist yet. With all due respect, to me these comments are as serious as NATO wanting to sell ice-cream on the churches yards. You still keep saying that NATO bombed Belgrade because wanted to destroy Serbia, as if NATO would have done that regardless whether Serb military tried or not to wipe out the entire Kosovo from its inhabitants.

Vuk

"People fail to see that forcing a country to give up part of it's land on the back of a bombing and KLA terrorist campaign is illeagal and a farce" - independnce of Kosovo is on the back of crimes commited by serbs during Milosevic which have made it impossible to population of Kosovo to accept to remain within Serbia.

and your claim of hundreds of thousands of serbs that have been killed in Kosovo is a ridicuaouls lie and propaganda which totally dicreditcs your comment. You have many serbs suggesting that overall number of victims in Kosovo was 2000 during the war and then they say thousands of serbs have been killed by albanians!!! Even your numbers don't add up.

Nobody buys your propaganda anymore.

Kate you are forgeting that Ahtisaari worked for Contact group and he proposed what most of EU and USA supported which is 'supervised independnce' - He did not invent 'indepence- for Kosovo. If it wasn't Ahtisaari somebody else would have proposed Independence - so its irrevelent whether he received money, which is just a blatant serbian lie. Unless you are suggesting that every single politican in western Europe and USA received money from these super-rich 'albanian lobbyist' that serbs like to mention every now and again! I wish THERE WAS such a powerful albanian lobby to dictacte the politicts of all western European countries and USA, but I am afraid this is all part of the 'the West is out to get us, its all their fault!'

It is nice to read the comments of Mike and Matthew(who is not much with us lately).
I am fed up of reading the same stories:"Kosovo is Srbija",CCCC,etc.
The people who write this kind of comments are only doing so to upset the other side,deep down they know the truth!
I am for partition of Kosova,it will be hard,but at least there won't be any fear on both sides.
Living in London it is a great opportunity to meet people.One day one Jewish friend told me something very interesting,I quote:"We can't support German Football Teams,but we can admire them".
Same goes with us Albanians,we can't support Serbian State,but we can admire them.
Maybe you know what really I want to say!!!
Cheerio!

This article together with the one saying that United States strongly back the proposal that Kosovo gains independence in 2007 and of course the ICG report give a picture of what is going to happen with Kosova.

In my opinion the best solution for Serbia and most importantly for K-Serbs is Ahtisari plan, plan that Kosova institutions are preparing to implement, since this is the option that most of EU countries are in favour. Stability of Serbia is really very important for Kosova too. Ahtisari plan is designed for purpose of stability in Serbia as well, but Serbian politicians had something else in mind, they are planning to create a little Russia in Balkans. All I can say is good luck to them that support failed suicidal politicians of Serbia

Some of you mention the division in EU but can you tell me when was EU talking together on any issue never mind Kosova issue. If my memory serves me well than I remember EU doing nothing while the massacres were taking place in Bosnia. US had to act in order to stop the bloodshed from spreading further. Same thing happened in Kosova except that this time UK was involved as well.
There are people here that heavily back Russia on respecting the international laws. I believe breach of neighbouring country airspace is sanctioned by international law. See this link : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6957589.stm
I wonder what Kate thinks about his since it is her country being visited by Russia BOMBERS. So much about the Russia and the international law. Kate, Russia and LADA lifestyle getting closer. Are you gone look at US for backing

Kate: when will you learn not to take everything pro-Serb at face value?
And to all those in the pro-Serb camp here: losing Kosovo has its benefits you know. You will gain another Kosovo myth to help keep Serbia together and keep your spirits up when you join the Russian Federation.

Zeka: I do not know how else to interpret Milan's request for me to provide an alibi. I hoe it was a joke because if it wasn't it shows the guy has serious problems. And congratulations on your memory, but it did not serve you right this time. What I said about the drunken brawl was that it was an excellent example of a case that would be interpreted by both sides based on their ethnic background, i.e. the Serbs would see it as an anti-Serb plot and the Albanians would not believe a word of the Serb minister. I have never said that Serb and Albanians cannot live together, but that you cannot expect them to love each other before a few generations have passd. As for living together...well the K-Serbs will have to coexist with the K-Albanians in a shortly to be made independent Kosovo and the same goes for Valley Albanians. So please do not give your self so much freedom to misrepresent my comments my dearest Zeka.

Mike: "Ideally, I would like Kosovo to remain within Serbia, thereby killing any attempts at redrawing borders which always results in a regional nightmare... But I see that it is impossible in this scenario. Albanians will simply riot and protest until they get their way."

Mike - How can you believe that giving in to threats of violence is the way to go? What message does that send? That is exactly what should NOT be allowed.

Also, because you sound like a rational sort of person, please do not jot down all views on this site to 'nationalists' on both sides. I, like you, feel strongly that borders should not be redrawn but not just because of the ensuing administrative nightmare.

It is quite simply wrong to enable an outside nation/ group of nations to start redrawing borders already agreed within international law. The time to do that was during 1999 when Res. 1244 was signed by all.

European boundaries are more fragile than ever, and international laws must be adhered to if much greater problems are to be avoided in the years to come. It's important for security of us all.

Mike

I agree with your post. I just wish Koshtunica & Co would convey the same points you made to the population of Serbia.

Personally I do not have a problem with partition (i.e. Kosovo losing some of its territory, I'd rather have a smaller but stable and independent Kosovo, than bigger but voletile Kosovo with thousands of angry serbs), however parition I think is dangerous since it will affect other regions and K. serbs in south, and albanians in Valley. If some kind of federation within Kosovo or even higher rights for K serbs that Ahtisaari proposes, would calm serbian fears and drop Belgrade's and Russia's opposition, than maybe that is the way to go.

However I think that politicians in Belgrade and Russia do not have the interest of Kosovo population (including K.serbs) at heart, and they are more interested in looking like they are fighting for Kosovo so they can further their politicial career.

Mike
Serbia doesnt have to re-absorb them. They are already centralised conviniently to govern themselves. As well as EU overseer and integration into EU as one. That will solve the problem if the current regime in Pristina is replaced.

Excellent analysis Mike,

This is where the negotiations should start. Albanians are willing to give anything but independence. That's precisely what Kosovo's negotiation team platform is for the upcoming talks.

Hungary doesn't count as an important player in the EU.
Stop being so enthusiastic about nothing.
(Jack, 22. August 2007 09:44)

if Hungary had said something in favour of independence, Jack would have said Hungary is an important european country! =)

dear Jack, Hungary is a member-state of the EU, if you didn´t get it.
given that Hungary is one of the states of the neighbouring states, it´s opinion is of importance, since within the EU there is unity needed to get a working solution in regard of a european mission to come in Kosovo.

you just didn´t realize that, but that´s okay, since your "analysis" is really entertaining! :)

I don't think that there is any tone of 'enthusiasm' in this article, Jack. Just a news report.

All views are important on the international stage at the moment with regard to Kosovo, because opinion is so divided. Especially in Europe.

The report yesterday by the ICG was real desperation, headed by Maarti Ahtisaari himself (who was supposed to have been impartial!). It was virtually pleading more countries to support the recognition of a declaration of independence.

Also some rather worrying and detailed reports coming out about Maarti having been bribed [See link http://americansforserbianews.blogspot.com/2007/07/maarti-ahtisaari-did-he-take-bribes.html].

I wonder if that one will ever make the mainstream media? Or even be properly investigated and acted upon.

Our apologies to Teni, and all our other posters.

The volume of comments we receive sometimes makes it impossible for us to post them as quickly as we would like.

Thank you for your patience and contribution

B92

Vuk: "If these Kosovo Albanians are so "western" and "democratic" then why are they completely unable to stage meaningfull talks and negotiations which will results in a fair outcome for both parties?"

Excellent point.

B92 - Why did you let your team go to the Beer Festival?? Don't you know what happens when you mix media with beer? There's a go slow for at least a month!

Obviously you dont understand Serbian politics.

-250 Seats

-3 parties formed a coalation to deffeat the largest party known as the radicals

-if kostunicas party backs the radicals they will have the largest ammount of votes

-hence the current government will collapse and a more radical one will take office

-bringing a lot of missery to the entire balkans

Laki - For something not credible it contains an awful lots of facts! I do not just accept stuff like this at face value, but I think that there may some truth behind this. I would just like it to be investigated.

teni, you're such a hypocrite. To accuse Milan of trying to exploit events is a joke. You do it consistently to try to justify your spurious aims. Remember the drunken brawl a Serb politician had with Albanian police over a speeding ticket. You said this showed Serbs and Albanians could never live together again. Talk about exploiting an irrelevant event.

Teni
You honestly believe that? Wow I dont believe that you will even get south of ibar. Maybe autonomy with major restriction now, but thats it.

Olf, I actually agree with your first part. Serbia's stability is completely contingent on how Kosovo gains its independence, what an independent Kosovo will look like and how it will be structured.

Ideally, I would like Kosovo to remain within Serbia, thereby killing any attempts at redrawing borders which always results in a regional nightmare (everyone wants to do the same thing). But I see that it is impossible in this scenario. Albanians will simply riot and protest until they get their way. A volatile southern region in Serbia will cause politicans to replace civil liberties with national security, scuttling any efforts at democratic consolidation in the entire state, and bringing the whole region down. It pains me to say this, but I've accepted it: Kosovo is going to be independent and in the long run, that takes a volatile region out of Serbia's hands and makes it a European problem.

Yet at the same time, Serbia should not give up on Kosovo, nor should it be barred from having a say in its development. Serbia needs to be given absolute guarantees that its minority communities are given the absolute maximum guarantees of decentralized self rule, its religious and cultural sites are well guarded, well protected, AND might I add, well used (no sense in keeping these monasteries as simply museum pieces). I believe the Ahtisaari Plan goes a long way in making the K Serbs a powerful minority, but to it, we should add the guarantee of K-Serb confederation within a federated Kosovo. Giving the Serbs solid institutional rights apart from Pristina would solve many of the fears that an independent Kosovo will target Serb lives and interests. Belgrade can have its parallel connections to these municipalities and enclaves as the Ahtisaari Plan envisions.

Serbian stability will be compromised it it tries to reabsorb 2 million angry Albanians who, despite their own internal differences and battles for power, will remain solidly united in doing their damndest to shake off Belgrade, and cause as much chaos as possible. Serbia doesn't need that, and it cannot balance counteracting insurgency with democratic consolidation. Just look at Iraq.

This is the reason why if the West is pushing for Kosovo's independence, it will have to give Serbia an unbelievably generous severance package. I truly wish for a stable, multi-ethnic Kosovo (where garbage like ethnically motivated crimes like we read yesterday and today are a thing of the past) as well as a democratically stable Serbia. Such a thing can be guaranteed if Belgrade - and Mitrovica might I add - are given irrefutable proof that they will continue to have a strong hand in continuous Serbian development and community in an independent Kosovo.

"Well of course Serbia's stability must be considered, how is Serbia going to function without Kosovo? The Serbian mind set will be severly bruised and probably cause much fighting in Kosovo if it does become independant."

By this logic what we hear is don't bruise the Serbs cuz they might destroy themselves. Don't even bother with it. Serbia bruised all of its neighbors and they didn't destroy themselves. Everyone in Europe has been bruised in Europe at one time or another and they've never destroyed themselves. If Serbia wants the radicals and extreme parties to come to power thats their choice. The Serb citizens decide who they like and if they want extremists to power thats who they vote for. Its not because of the Albanians, the US or the EU. It is beacause the Serbs want it.

nikshala,

What you have written in reply to my comment bears little relevence to the fact that Albanians commited some of the worst crimes, far worse than any attempted by Milosovic. I leave you to recall the name of the SS brigade formed.
If you take a quick peek at old demographics tables you will see that the "Greater Albania" idea implemented then has caused a serious shift towards a Albanian majority.

You like to talk about Albanians not being able to forgive "Serbia" as a country because of what Milosovic did but in actualy fact if the Albanians had voted when he was coming to power he would have been beaten, but no they boycotted the election to demostrate their want for independace which is a paradox but other to the fact that None of the Serbs have returned and the ones which are there live a life of fear caused by the deep contempt held against them by Kosovo Albanians.

This is not a basis for a new country so lets be reasonable and not greedy because the US has promised you something.

This is an interesting paradox. If Tadic and Kostunica lose Kosovo, then the most ultra-nationalist and reactionary parties will come to power in Serbia.

On the other hand, if the Kosovo-Albanian authorities fail to acheive independence then we will see an outburst of Albanian nationalism in Kosovo.

The fuse is lit, there will be an explosion of nationalism somewhere. The question is whether that fuse is leading to Belgrade or Pristina.

Kate, et al. I’ve thought long and hard on this, and this will be a large response. Apologies in advance to those reading it, and to B92 for it taking up unnecessary cyberspace.

Here is how I see it. We have five players in this proverbial game: Pristina, Belgrade, Washington, Europe, and Moscow. Each has their strengths and weaknesses that can be exploited by the others. Let me be brief:

1. Pristina – Strengths: Comprises 90% of Kosovo. Unanimous in desire for independence. Backed by US and key EU states. Will accept nothing less than independence. Willing to do whatever it takes to get independence. Weaknesses: Completely reliant on US and Europe for any support. Will become one of Europe’s poorest, most underdeveloped states. High levels of organized crime, corruption, and nepotism.

2. Belgrade – Strengths: International law that no one really seems to be following, Resolution 1244 that no one seems to be adhering to. Weaknesses: Little convincing hold on Kosovo. No provisions for Albanian integration back into Serbia. No plans for developing Kosovo. Wants land but not people. Increasingly dependent on Russia. Slipping away from Europe.

3. Washington – Strengths: Strong, if somewhat contested, voice in international affairs. Enjoys complete “loyalty” Pristina. Backs Ahtisaari Plan. Is seen as defender of self determination. Weaknesses: Completely committed to Kosovo’s independence regardless of outcome. Cannot back out of commitment. Will jump at any sign of a negotiated settlement for the sake of avoiding the nightmare unilateral solution.

4. Europe – Strengths: Seen as middleman between Washington and Moscow. Likely to support and/or develop a compromise solution between Belgrade and Pristina. Weaknesses: Internally divided, apathetic to granting Kosovo’s independence. Reluctant to push Serbia too far into Russia’s corner.

5. Moscow – Strengths: Wins no matter the outcome. If Kosovo remains in Serbia, Russia gets to clamp down on other secession movements in its own state. If Kosovo goes independent, Russia will support independence movements in Georgia, Moldova, Azerbaijan, and even Ukraine. Russia also gets a chance to heavily invest in Serbia and Kosovo. Weaknesses: Russia has no weaknesses.

Knowing all of this what can Serbia gain? Pristina’s biggest offense (independence at any cost) is its weakest defense. Likewise, America’s weakness is its commitment to see a negotiated settlement over a unilateral declaration. Taking these two factors into account, Serbia has been given a major Ace up its sleeve to play by both players – it just hasn’t realized it yet! By changing tactics and being willing to grant Kosovo’s independence for a number of major concessions, Belgrade immediately gets US and European support. All Washington wants to hear is “independence” and they’ll do whatever it takes to make it work because suddenly in their eyes, Serbia has “moved” and a “solution” is visible. Belgrade’s past reluctance to budge means that the slightest movement on their part now will immediately get picked up by the US. Belgrade can push for RS-like status of Serbian municipalities, communities, and religious sites to the point where Northern Mitrovica or Gracanica becomes the veritable regional capital of a Serbian Republic of Kosovo-Methohija operating parallel with Pristina. Hell, if they wanted to, they could even move the Patriarchate back to Pec! Washington can apply the needed pressure on Pristina to agree, and Pristina, seeing that such concessions towards Serb regions of Kosovo is the price for a flag, an anthem, and an Olympic team, would have no choice but to agree. If they refuse, they are now the ones seen as obstructing a solution, and risk losing support from the very powers that previously backed them up. Suddenly, Serbia goes from simply reacting to international forces determining the outcome, to becoming the power calling the shots. Kostunica and Tadic can take full credit by making one sacrifice for the sake of a number of other advantages. By pushing for a confederate Serb Republic status in an independent federal Kosovo, they can claim to have defended Serbian interests against Albanian “aggression” or whatever they want to call it, defended cultural and religious sites from further destruction, and still have a major force to play in the region. Furthermore, they neutralize any Albanian “problem” by taking Belgrade’s sovereignty out of the picture. Albanians get the immediate independence they have been demanding, making any further problems and crises no longer seen as Belgrade’s fault. This places them firmly within an EU supervised independence program that may take a few years to produce (and I'm in total favor of having EU administration work for a few years before we pop the champaigne bottle in order to ensure a viable and stable Kosovo), but it keeps them from further radicalizing, and forces all political activity to work within a set of European and democratic parameters, something the overwhelming majority of Albanians are committed to. The US benefits by getting its negotiated settlement, and avoids the embarrassment of having once again to break international law for the sake of its own reputation. Wisner will probably write his memoirs saying something to the effect that his genius-like skills at diplomacy saved the day again, blah blah blah. No doubt, the forward to his book will be written by Richard Holbrooke, but who cares?

What does Serbia have to gain by maintaing its current approach, and keeping 2 million angry Albanians within its borders? Belgrade has clearly said they have no intention of interfering in Albanian political matters so it doesn’t seem like they are overly interested in building up the region. Why keep land you don’t want to control? Additionally, Albanian ire will always be directed at Belgrade and anything Serbian whenever a problem arises. Serbia doesn’t need that. Let them actually blame themselves for any future mismanagement for a change. Just like in surgery, it sometimes is necessary to amputate an arm or a leg in order to save the body for further decay and disease. In Serbia’s case, letting go over the overly Albanian areas of Kosovo eliminates a major longterm headache and a potential cancer that could endanger overall democracy in Serbia. I have always been a proponent of further democratic consolidation in Serbia and realize that keeping all of Kosovo will produce a veritable West Bank or southwestern Turkey. Hadrian realized he couldn't hold all of Britain, so he withdrew to where he could, built a wall, and was celebrated for it. This is common logic.

The Albanians have practically said they would be willing to do whatever it takes to get independence. This is a golden opportunity for Serbia to capitalize on and secure unbelievably powerful protection of Serb areas. By agreeing to do so, they will undoubtedly earn full US and European support. It’s pretty simple: by attempting to hold onto everything, as they are now, they risk losing everything, as in Knin-Krajina. By strategically changing its gameplay and moving in for checkmate, Serbia stands to turn potential opponents into overly vocal allies. Serbs can gain more than they ever hoped out of Kosovo by letting it go, as in Republika Srpska.

Talk about turning a losing strategy into a winning hand giving Point, Match, and Game. I mean Sun Tzu would be so proud.

louie,

Albanians are not asked to admire Serbs...

they are asked to respect the law. and interantional law is quite clear on this.
but given that one third of all inmates in Switerland´s prisons is of albanian ethnicity, I do not have much hope that they are gonna respect legal stipulations, premises and treaties.

hello dear, serbs i just recently graduated from yale college in ct. and when i view the situation in serbia i feel kinda sad because i kno there is so many,smart serbian politicians and very educated people,and to understand that if you take the view from the sides and you see that serbs and kosovo albanians they wont live together but thinking that rusia will suport them.its wrong,very wrong because let me make a point strategically rusia acting smart for themselves and puting serbian nation down with all these smart serbs that understand politics having rusian politics using them.it's kinda sad to say but serbian government needs to be reelected and have some real politicians there that knows how to view serbia from angles and don't let rusia.or china or other countries use serbs and enforce their political cabinets act like super power when U.N. is involve think about it.i have 4 brothers one lives in california .2 live in florida and i live in north carolina,people want freedom and serbia should understand that.serbs and kosovo albanian dont have nothing in comon history tells you that move on, make peace, built your future.create jobs.be a superpower dont be stupid.world is against you and rusia is part of world using you and having a good name for themselves,thats so wrong and i kno there so many smart educated serbs that know how to make serbia a better place and forget what happens built your future with your neighbors,yugoslavia is part of europe one day all of you(losers)will be part of europe no borders same money, same pasport diferent language let it go,on your own before it slips away.

Serbia will be stable "Russian STYLE"

As we read today, Serbia is sellin its major companies to Russian business.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118782426511305809.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

So it is going further and further away from EU.
If they keep it up, they will succeed to become a quasi-Russia.
That goes to show how bacwaeds and un-intelligent Serbian current leaders are.

**PEACE**

“That goes to show how bacwaeds and un-intelligent Serbian current leaders are.”
Did you mean backwards and unintelligent and this goes to show how who is backwards and unintelligent?

Thank you for attaching WSJ the article. It certainly confirms the oil and oil profits theory.

The U.S. goes after Albania, Bulgaria and Macedonia (ABMO) for a pipeline.
It was predictable that Russia would react to protect its own interests.

Nothing is free; there is a price for everything.

In 2003, Albania signed a bilateral Article 98 Agreement with the U.S., through which it has pledged not to turn over Americans to the International Criminal Court.


In 2006, Albania took five Asians terrorist detained at Guantanamo Bay and senior State Department official said more than 100 countries had been approached about accepting the Uighurs, but only Albania agreed.
http://intellibriefs.blogspot.com/2007/08/kosovo-real-flashpoint.html?referer=sphere_related_content
"When President Bush visited Albania, the parliament accommodated an American request to allow U.S. Marines to be the only armed corps guarding Bush, but this “has been seen by some in Albania as an insult to their security forces,” reports Reuters. “Albania’s formal elite escort for visiting dignitaries, the Republican Guard, will not be allowed to carry guns on the day.” The measure “allows more than 500 combat-ready U.S. troops entry into the country, and sanctions their use of ‘force proportionate to any possible threat.’”
“Please Occupy Us,” read a sarcastic headline in the country’s biggest paper, which said the decision implies that Albanians are “unworthy of being masters of their own house.”

If you want to dance, you have to pay the Piper.

Louie says - "...It is nice to read the comments of Mike and Matthew(who is not much with us lately).
I am fed up of reading the same stories:"Kosovo is Srbija",CCCC,etc. "

You're entitled to your feeling as we are ours. KosovO is Serbian land geographically & historically & it cannot be compared to a football game.

Thanks for your input